Wow we are sooo confused. We were going to put in RBA but they are so expensive. We got a bid of the ecoSmart by Great Lakes but so concern about the vinyl vs the fibrex. Is there a big difference? How do you tell how good the quality of the vinyl is?

+1. The fibrex product is not bad, but it certainly does not justify a premium over a good vinyl window --as that is essentially what it is, just with some wood flour (saw dust) added in for a different look. Performance-wise, it is middle of the road, and the 10 yr warranty is about the worst you'll find. That Great Lakes Ecosmart looks like it has some nice features, although I must admit that I'm not familiar with that offering by name (Ecosmart). I can't tell by the brochure if it is a new design or just a variation of their existing product (Uniframe, Grandview, Plygem Premium, etc)... I would get some additional info on the performance ratings (u value with double pane glass, air infiltration rating, etc). A few of the top vinyl products to check out would be Softlite/Gorell, HiMark/Okna, and Sunrise.

i also recommend looking into higher end vinyl options.as far as the " EcoSmart" window is concerned, it seems to have some nice options but you need to ask a few important questions..1) does it have a truely welded sloped sill? you do not want a snap in sloped sill or a pocket sill.2) i notice it has a handle opposed to a lift rail which is a nice option. however, is it a plastic lift rail or a metallic handle.. you would want a metallic handle.3) what is the air leakage rate?4 ) is the sill wall mortised into the frame or does it just butt up against it?5) what kind of Ufactor will you get on double oane glass?

1. ecoSmart by Great Lakes Window has a true welded sloped sill, one piece, no weep holes.

2. The handles are die cast aluminum with a powder coat finish but are also available in satin chrome, oil rubbed, brass as well as white, tan, Pontiac gold and earthtone.

3. Air infiltration is as low as .03 CFM / ft depending on the style of window chosen.

4. The leg of the sill is welded creating an air and watertight seal.

5. U values on an operable double hung range from 0.15 for the ecoMaxKR glass package, yes that is on an operable double hung. A picture window is at 0.13. With just the standard Low E glass package the U value is 0.26 on a double hung, 0.25 on a picture window.

ecoSmart combines a structural composite "skeleton" with a proprietary exterior uiPVC skin to maximize energy efficiency with long term durability with minimal maintenance and no painting.

All U Values noted on my last post are Full Unit U Values. The spacer is called I-Core and it is a structural non-metalic spacer. The air infiltration on the double hung is .16 however that was on a 54 1/2" x 80" test size.

All U Values noted on my last post are Full Unit U Values. The spacer is called I-Core and it is a structural non-metalic spacer. The air infiltration on the double hung is .16 however that was on a 54 1/2" x 80" test size.

Air infiltration rates are the average of the cumulative leakage over a given area.

As a result, a larger unit will typically net a "lower" average air leakage rate.

+1 . AI numbers are not on par with the elite window choices, but overall it sounds like a good window, certainly the best that Great lakes/Plygem has to offer.... Back to the original question: the added info presented would only confirm my original statement that the Ecosmart would be the superior choice between the two. Not a bad choice at the right price.

i missed the air leakage part.. the air leakage is a bit high and as WOW alluded too, the larger the window tested for air leakage, the lower the results. i like to see a number under .07 on a double hung.however, overall the window looks good.

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